Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – Group C
Full-time: 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe 0–0 South Africa 🇿🇦 (ZIM FIFA #125 | RSA FIFA #55)
Match summary
Ten-man Zimbabwe produced a resolute, backs-to-the-wall performance to hold South Africa to a goalless draw. The turning point came on 63’ when Knowledge Musona was sent off for a second yellow, but the Warriors stayed organised, absorbed pressure, and even threatened late on through Walter Musona. South Africa struck the woodwork and forced several saves from Washington Arubi, yet could not find a way through. Bafana also ended with ten after Mbekezeli Mbokazi received a second yellow at 90’+7.
Key moments
13’ Zemura tests Ronwen Williams from range; moments later Sipho Mbule fires over.
26’ Arubi flies to tip Mbule’s effort towards the top corner; South Africa on top.
49’ Big Warriors chance: Khama Billiat heads just wide from Knowledge Musona’s cross.
63’ 🔴 Zimbabwe red card: Knowledge Musona sent off (second yellow).
83’ Lyle Foster rattles the left post from a tight angle after Thapelo Morena’s assist.
90’–90’+4 Warriors surge: Walter Musona has three attempts (one from 35+ yards saved by Williams; two blocked), then Teboho Mokoena tests Arubi from distance.
90’+5 Bookings for Tawanda Maswanhise and Mbokazi amid a frantic finish.
90’+7 🔴 South Africa red card: Mbokazi sent off (second yellow).
FT: 0–0 after 6+ minutes added.
Substitutions
Zimbabwe:
59’ Maswanhise ↔ Chirewa
86’ Jalai ↔ Garan’anga
86’ Walter Musona ↔ Lunga
87’ Bill Antonio ↔ Billiat
90’ Jonah Fabisch ↔ Nakamba
South Africa:
HT Aubaas ↔ S. “Yaya” Sithole
HT Morena ↔ Nkota
84’ Makgopa ↔ Modiba
80’ Moremi ↔ Appollis
Tactical snapshot
Zimbabwe (11 → 10 men): Compact 4-4-1 after the red, with Munetsi enormous in ball recoveries and Takwara/Hadebe clearing danger. Transitions targeted the channels for Walter Musona and Maswanhise late on.
South Africa: Territorial control and volume shooting from Mbule/Mokoena, width via Modiba/Morena, but lacked final-third precision against a packed block and inspired Arubi.
Standout performers
Washington Arubi (ZIM): Commanding – key saves on 26’, 90’+1, 90’+4.
Marshall Munetsi (ZIM): Relentless screening; drew fouls to relieve pressure.
Teboho Mokoena (RSA): Tempo and long-range threat.
Ronwen Williams (RSA): Assured handling, especially late on.
What it means
Zimbabwe: A morale-boosting clean sheet and point built on resilience—confidence for the final Group C date versus Lesotho.
South Africa: Missed opportunity; dominance without a goal leaves qualification math tighter.
Man of the Match: Washington Arubi (Zimbabwe) — leadership and decisive stops under siege.
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